Phosphorus fertilization and the saturation of bases for formation of seedlings of Swietenia macrophyla

Abstract

Production of quality seedlings with high survival rate in the environment for reforestation purposes still faces many obstacles, especially with respect to mineral nutrition. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the response of mahogany (Swietenia macrophyla) seedlings to the supply of P and base saturation in a Typic Hapludox (Oxisol) with sandy layer surface. We used a completely randomized experimental design with four phosphorus rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg dm–3 of P), with Arad phosphate rock source, with two base saturation levels (natural at 25% and corrected to 45%) and three replications. We assessed the following parameters: soil chemical attributes, stem diameter, plant height, root dry matter, aerial part dry matter, total dry matter, and aerial part dry matter/root dry matter ratio. The content of P in the soil increased with P supply levels, in the absence and presence of liming, respectively. Liming improved soil attributes and the growth of mahogany seedlings. The combination of liming with phosphorus fertilization positively influenced plant height and aerial part and total dry matter. In the absence of liming, P doses as from 100 mg kg–1 negatively influenced the growth of mahogany seedlings.